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CVLI

About CVLI

Through an agreement with studios and producers, the CVLI Church Video License provides legal coverage for churches and for other ministry organizations to show DVDs and videocassettes of motion pictures. (Each organization needs to be specifically covered.) Coverage includes playing just a few seconds of a movie all the way up to showing the full-length feature.

The Church Video License is one of the most cost effective and convenient ways for churches and other ministry organizations to protect themselves from the possibility of being fined for illegal use of DVDs and videocassettes.

The Need

It’s becoming more common. Churches host special event movie nights. Pastors use movies to enhance sermon points. Sunday School teachers and childcare workers often use DVDs to educate and entertain the kids. Youth leaders show the latest videos. Educators use movies to train and inspire. But all of these church workers may be, unknowingly, breaking the law.

What's the Big Deal?

Some of us ignore that FBI warning at the beginning of DVDs. Ever wonder what it actually says? The Federal Copyright Act of 1976 stipulates that pre-recorded DVDs and videocassettes are authorized for personal home use only. Special permission must be granted for any public performance—and that includes churches. Violations can result in substantial fines, up to $150,000 per infringement.

The Church Video License

Now, there’s an affordable, convenient solution. Christian Copyright Licensing, Inc. (CCLI) and Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (MPLC) have partnered to create Christian Video Licensing International (CVLI) and the Church Video License, which offers blanket copyright coverage for video titles from more than 400 producers. Download the CVLI brochure for additional information, rates, and an application.